Moreton Bay Chestnut

Where does Moreton Bay Chestnut grow?

Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, East Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Kenya, New Caledonia, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Norfolk Island, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, SE Asia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, United States, Vanuatu, West Indies, Zimbabwe

Notes: The timber is a very useful cabinet wood. There is only one Castanospermum species.

Status: The tree is introduced to Papua New Guinea and may not be much used for food.

Growing Moreton Bay Chestnut

Cultivation: It grows from seeds which often commence germinating while still in the pod on the ground. Seeds germinate very easily. They germinate in 2-4 weeks. Seed need to be sown when the temperature is at least 13-18°C.

Edible Uses: The seeds are eaten after extensive processing (They are soaked for 10 days, pounded and baked.) They may still contain some poison. CAUTION In Australia several deaths and stomach upsets have been reported in cattle which have eaten the seeds.

Production: In Australia fruit are produced from March to November.

Nutrition Info

Moreton Bay Chestnut Photos

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